A breakfast nook

It’s no wonder this informal space is one of the family’s favourite spaces. “This area is an evolving place of meals, Lego, craft and games of Uno,” Maree says. “The seating is upholstered in commercialgrade vinyl from Instyle, which is easy to clean after every meal, as well as the odd dropped Texta.”

Visit instyle.com.au. >

“I LOVE family and friends CONGREGATING AROUND THE island bench AND BEING PART OF THE CONVERSATION” MAREE

“I LOVE THE TIMBER FLOOR. THE imperfections AND distressed LOOK HIDES THE EVERYDAY DIRT” MAREE

LIVING AREA The rear extension made room for a spacious living area (above). Maree’s favourite blues feature in the ‘Emori’ rug from The Rug Establishment, Molmic ‘Barwon’ sofas covered in Zepel ‘Casual’ fabric and the custom coffee table and velvet ottoman by OneFour Interiors. A Barry Goralnick for Visual Comfort ‘Choros’ pendant from Laura Kincade makes a statement above, while a floral artwork by Adele Naidoo brings colour to the wall painted Dulux Natural White. In the distance, another artwork, Feeling Calm by Dana Dion from Art2Muse, can be seen in the reading room.

DINING AREA The existing parquetry table has been paired with Casa Mia ‘Bruno’ dining chairs in the dining area (opposite), and the joinery is lined with Schumacher ‘Featherfest’ navy wallpaper. “Louise and I were perusing wallpaper when the feathers really jumped out at me,” says Maree. >

ENSUITE Mark and Maree’s bathroom (above) features a spacious shower with powder-coated steel doors and Brodware fixtures. Middleton Beach encaustic-look tiles from Tile Cloud make a feature of this area. “I love how it creates a decorative look and a nod to the home’s heritage,” says Maree. A double vanity features bronze inlay details by Astor Metal Finishes; the towels are from In The Sac. IVY’S BEDROOM Maree added wallpaper on the outside of the wardrobes in the kids’ bedrooms – in Ivy’s case, Florence Broadhurst ‘The Cranes’. “It’s a bit unique and a surprise that no one expects when they walk into the rooms,” she says. A pink velvet desk chair from Pottery Barn is the ultimate little girl’s touch. >

“LOUISE HELPED US STAY sympathetic TO THE ERA OF THE HOUSE WITHOUT mish-mashing STYLES” MAREE

MAIN BEDROOM The couple’s bedroom (this page) is luxuriously fitted with a custom bedhead by Jade Upholstery, ‘Barolo’ bedside table from Coco Republic, Thomas O’Brien for Visual Comfort ‘Vivian’ double sconces from Laura Kincade and a rich blue velvet bench custom made by OneFour Interiors. To one side is additional joinery for storage inlaid with soft grey Tapetex wallpaper, as well as a dresser space to help make the morning routine run smoother. The cameo glass photograph by George Woodall titled ‘Venus’ is from Vintage Art Emporium. BATHROOM The same Middleton Beach tiles from Tile Cloud used in the ensuite also feature in the main bathroom (opposite), along with ‘Vintage’ wall tiles in Oslo White from Classic Ceramics, Ralph Lauren for Visual Comfort ‘Barton’ wall sconces from Laura Kincade, a Kaldewei Classic Duo oval bathtub and navy blinds from Karland Fair Furnishings. >

Source book Building designer: Craig McKinnon, McKinnon Design, (02) 6363 1780. Builder: Luke Thorley, Luxe Building, 0437 272 308, luxebuilding.com.au. Interior designer: Louise Spicer, OneFour Interiors, 0417 065 411, onefourinteriors.com.au. Landscape architect:

Sarah Hoskin, Caledonian Landscapes, (02) 6361 2348, caledonianlandscapes.com.au. Kitchen & joinery: Marcello Ponze, Avere Joinery, (02) 8783 5144, averejoinery.com.au.

KITCHEN There was no question that Maree’s new kitchen would have an island bench, as her previous home had one similar. “I was a bit nervous about using Calacatta Oro marble for the bench, but so pleased I was convinced,” she says, adding, “The Falcon dual oven is amazing.” Other stylish inclusions are the custom rangehood by Astor Metal Finishes, Kelly Wearstler ‘Covet’ brass wall sconces, fluted glass display shelves and the bar stools by OneFour Interiors. An artwork titled Still Life #3 by Vanessa Stockard from Art2Muse leans on the counter. The large skylight overhead was inspired by an image seen in a magazine. “On a clear night you can look up and see the stars from inside, which is pure magic,” Maree says. >

OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING French doors open to a travertine-tiled courtyard for the ultimate indoor-outdoor flow. A three-tiered fountain is the showpiece of the space. “My first thoughts were, ‘What an overkill’, but when we’re eating alfresco, the sound of running water is great,” Maree admits. Rope dining chairs and a teak table from Outdoor Elegance were selected, along with South Hampton wall sconces from Beacon Lighting.